ALL Engineering Majors & Careers Explained | 22 Types of Engineers

Summary

This video script addresses the confusion surrounding the multitude of engineering disciplines by categorizing them into six primary types: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, software, and industrial engineering. It outlines the core aspects of each, including relevant courses and potential job roles post-graduation. Additionally, it connects specialized fields like mechatronics, aerospace, and biomedical engineering back to these foundational categories, clarifying how they are combinations or subsets. The script serves as a comprehensive guide for students navigating the vast landscape of engineering careers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engineering has evolved from a few basic types to a vast array of disciplines, reflecting the growth of technology and new challenges.
• 🔧 The 'Big Six' engineering disciplines are Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Software, and Industrial, which form the foundation of all other engineering fields.
• ⚙️ Mechanical Engineering focuses on the design and optimization of products across various industries, including automotive and aerospace.
• 🧪 Chemical Engineering involves designing chemical processes and plants to produce materials like drugs and fertilizers, with a significant role in the petroleum industry.
• 💡 Electrical Engineering is about designing electronic hardware and systems, from small circuits to large-scale communications technology.
• 💻 Software Engineering deals with creating, testing, and evaluating software for computers and mobile devices, utilizing a variety of programming languages.
• 🏗 Civil Engineering is concerned with designing and managing large-scale public projects like roads, bridges, and buildings.
• 🏭 Industrial Engineering aims to optimize processes, systems, and organizations by considering various factors including people, money, and information flow.
• 🤖 Mechatronics Engineering combines Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering, opening opportunities in robotics and autonomous vehicles.
• 🌱 Environmental Engineering tackles issues like wastewater management and pollution, aiming to create sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
• 🚀 Aerospace and Automotive Engineering involve Mechanical, Electrical, or Software Engineers working on specific aspects of aircraft and vehicles.

Q & A

What are the six main categories of engineering referred to as the 'big six'?

The 'big six' categories of engineering are Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Software, and Industrial engineering.

What is the role of a mechanical engineer in designing a laptop?

A mechanical engineer in designing a laptop would be responsible for designing the chassis, selecting materials for optimal heat dissipation, weight, strength, and durability, as well as analyzing mechanical stresses within the assembly.

Which courses are typically included in a mechanical engineering curriculum?

Courses in a mechanical engineering curriculum may include Statics, Dynamics, Photo Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Processes, and learning a common programming language such as MATLAB.

What types of jobs can a chemical engineer expect to apply for?

A chemical engineer can apply for jobs such as Process Engineer, developing and optimizing processes using energy to convert raw materials into usable products, or a Solid State Cell Chemistry Engineer, designing fabrication methods for electric vehicle batteries.

What is the primary focus of electrical engineering?

Electrical engineering focuses on designing all the electronics hardware such as wiring, circuitry, and communications technology used in devices that utilize electricity.

What are some job positions a graduate with a degree in software engineering might pursue?

Job positions for software engineering graduates include Software Engineer, developing software for operating systems, apps, games, and APIs; Web Developer, focusing on front-end or back-end development; and roles involving the creation of software for specific industries or applications.

How does civil engineering differ from architectural engineering?

Civil engineering oversees large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, dams, buildings, airports, and railways, while architectural engineering is a subset of civil engineering, focusing specifically on the planning, designing, and constructing of buildings.

What is the role of an industrial engineer in a manufacturing context?

An industrial engineer in manufacturing focuses on developing strategies to improve production lines, reduce waste, and achieve maximum efficiency using tools like Six Sigma, Kanban, and Lean Manufacturing.

What is mechatronics engineering and how does it relate to the 'big six'?

Mechatronics engineering is a combination of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. It allows individuals to work on interdisciplinary projects such as robotics, prosthetic limbs, and autonomous vehicles, making use of knowledge from any of the three disciplines.

What is the difference between a petroleum engineer and an engineer working in the oil and gas industry with a degree in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering?

A petroleum engineer specifically works on subsurface operations like exploration, drilling, and reservoir management, requiring a degree in petroleum engineering. In contrast, engineers with degrees in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering can work in surface operations like transportation or conversion of crude oil to gasoline without needing a petroleum engineering degree.

How does materials engineering stand out from the 'big six' categories of engineering?

Materials engineering is distinct from the 'big six' as it focuses on the development of new materials such as piezoelectrics and shape memory alloys. While it doesn't fit into any of the six categories, mechanical and chemical engineering majors often take material science courses, and one can work in this field with a degree in either of those disciplines.